> It more than "looks bad", it actively stifles conversation and keeps it at probably around the "ad hominem" tier of disagreement If it happens a lot and with

> It more than "looks bad", it actively stifles conversation and keeps it at probably around the "ad hominem" tier of disagreement If it happens a lot and without a given reason it certainly does, but it isn't such a black and white issue that it has to be stopped at all costs. When someone points out very suspicious patterns over multiple names, comments, similar threads that are more likely to have astroturfing or bots etc. and mods pop in to say not to talk about astroturfing and bots because it doesn't happen, that's not helping keep the site to a higher standard. I don't doubt it is a priority and people are working on it, and I don't think the reply here that has no examples is worthwhile, but an all or nothing attitude doesn't help, because it is the reality of the internet.